Following Chelsea’s disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton, manager Enzo Maresca made it clear just how crucial Nicolas Jackson is to his team.
The Senegalese striker, who sustained an injury against West Ham, was unavailable for the clash against the Seagulls, and his absence was deeply felt as Chelsea struggled to create and convert chances in a toothless attacking display.
Reflecting on the impact of Jackson’s absence, Maresca admitted:
“Yeah, sometimes I think you need to play games without players to realise how important they are. We said many times about Nico: he is important on and off the ball. Off the ball, his intensity is very good and on the ball, he is always a threat.”
It is now clear that Chelsea need Jackson back as soon as possible, but what is the latest on his injury, and when can fans expect to see him return?
Nicolas Jackson Injury Update
Jackson’s injury, which occurred during the Premier League victory over West Ham, forced him to miss the FA Cup fixture, leaving Chelsea short of attacking options. With fellow striker Marc Guiu also sidelined, Maresca had to rely on Christopher Nkunku, who is still struggling to play as a lone 9.
Providing an update after the Brighton defeat, Maresca reassured fans that Jackson’s issue is not a serious one: “As I said a few days ago, it’s not a big injury. He needs some days off and hopefully for the next game, he can be available.”
When Will Nicolas Jackson Return?
Based on Maresca’s comments, there is optimism that Jackson will recover in time for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League match against Brighton on Friday evening. His return would be a significant boost as Chelsea look to bounce back from their cup disappointment and strengthen their push for a top-four finish.
Which other Chelsea players are injured?
Club captain Reece James has faced recurring hamstring issues over the past year. After undergoing surgery in late 2024, he returned to action in January 2025.
However, recent reports indicate he experienced a minor setback during training in early February.
Manager Enzo Maresca addressed concerns, stating, “It was planned. He is okay, he is training but it was to protect him.” This suggests that James’ absence from the recent FA Cup match against Brighton was precautionary, and he may be available for selection soon.
Read more on Guiu, Lavia, Fofana and Badiashialle’s injuries here.
